Brian Durnin’s debut feature Spilt Milk took home the Audience Award at the Glasgow Film Festival this year, wrapping up a starry 21st edition that saw the likes of James McAvoy, Jessica Lange, Ed Harris, Toni Collette, Tim Roth and Takehiro Hira all touch down at the Scottish event. Runner-up to the Audience Award, which is sponsored by Mubi and is the fest’s only award, was German comedy Two to One, starring double-Oscar nominee Sandra Hüller. Spilt Milk, set against the backdrop of 1980s working class Dublin, follows 11-year-old Bobby (Cillian Sullivan), who dreams of being a detective just like his TV idol Kojak. He sets up a private investigation with his best friend but when Bobby’s older brother disappears, it sets them off down a dark path. “We’re deeply honored to accept this wonderful award and to know that our film connected with the audiences at Glasgow Film Festival,” said Durnin. “The city and festival will forever hold a place in our hearts.” Glasgow-based producer James Heath and producer Laura McNicholas added: “We’re delighted to receive the Audience Award sponsored by Mubi from the Glasgow Film Festival and want to thank their incredible audiences. Seeing their enthusiasm for Spilt Milk is really special.” The GFF Audience Award was established in 2015 and is the only prize decided by GFF audiences, giving them a chance to vote for their favorite film from a shortlisted group of feature film titles by first or second-time directors. This year marked the last edition for longtime festival director and co-founder Allison Gardner who is retiring from the role after 21 years. Gardner, a beloved cultural leader in the Scottish film community, worked at Glasgow Film, the charity that runs the festival and the city’s indie cinema Glasgow Film Theatre, for more than 30 years. The festival is supported by Screen Scotland, the BFI Audience Projects Fund, Glasgow Life and EventScotland. “Being part of Glasgow Film Festival has been the most fun, rewarding and brilliant time over the last 21 years,” said Gardner. “From co-directing alongside the wonderful Allan Hunter to going solo the last couple of years, I have had the most fabulous support and friendship from the exceptional teams in our organization. I have met some wonderful filmmakers and guests over the years and witnessed audiences fall in love with films that have changed their lives for the better. “I will miss the rush of excitement when an audience takes a film to their hearts and no other festival in the world has better audiences, however it is time to hand the baton over. I’m immensely proud that the film festival lives by the ethos of GFT and that we uphold ‘Cinema for All’.” GFF kicked off this year with the world premiere of John Maclean’s Tornado before closing with the world premiere of Scottish documentary Make it to Munich. Dates for the 2026 edition of the festival are expected to be announced soon.